Letters to the Editor
View(s):Lack of facilities only drawback on the Ella Odyssey
We were on our way to Ella on the Ella Odyssey, a popular tourist attraction. This special train operates from Colombo to Badulla via Kandy on Thursdays and Saturdays offering travellers breathtaking views of the tea plantations and of the cascading waters.
It was truly amazing to see the Horsetail Waterfall which was the first viewpoint or photo location on the Odyssey. We also saw many other waterfalls such as St. Clair’s and Elgin along the way. We were also pleasantly surprised when we heard that tickets could be purchased from Nugegoda and other railway stations without trekking to Fort station unlike previous times. There are online options available which we were told are not so easily accessible.
The price of the First Class tickets on the Odyssey had increased from Rs 5,000 to Rs 8,000 from May 1, 2024. However, we were somewhat
saddened to see the drop in maintenance, which if it had been adhered to, would have made our train journey more than perfect.
Firstly the electronic signage was stuck at Demodara right throughout the journey and the travellers were unsure which station they were passing through most times. Secondly, the restaurant car was too small for comfort and the food available was very limited for a long journey. However, lunch orders were taken before Nanu Oya.
More importantly, the toilets were not in working condition. This was the main issue I thought that had to be put right.
Why is it that we lack good administration when we have so much on offer for both local and foreign tourism? There doesn’t seem to be a shortage of manpower or is there was the question.
Amidst all this the Ella Odyssey
is a marvellous train journey not
to be missed.
Over to you Sri Lanka Railways!
Roshini R Via email
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